64 | Catering for a cool climate Honiss Developments has built multiple subdivisions across the region, including its latest, Severn Street on the outskirts of Invercargill. Honiss Developments T T Kelly Deeks DEVELOPMENT Honiss Developments is shaping Invercargill’s housing market with a mix of thoughtfully designed residential subdivisions and house-and-land packages aimed at first-home buyers, young families, and downsizers. The local company, led by director and project manager Caleb Honiss, is focused on building homes that are practical, warm, and energy-efficient, while fostering a strong sense of community. Caleb has now been engaged in property development for half his life. “I started when I was 19, bought my first section, built a house, and sold it. I’m now 38, so this has been half of my life and all of my career,” he says. Over the years, Honiss Developments has built multiple subdivisions across the region, including its latest, Severn Street on the outskirts of Invercargill city. This development, currently the company’s flagship project, offers 17 sections with a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes. About 40% of the lots have been sold, with buyers able to adjust plans to suit their needs. The designs are created in collaboration with Invercargill-based architect Nathan Shearing from Fat Hippo Design Group, who Caleb says has an exceptional understanding of what Southlanders want from their homes. “Each home is designed to suit your section,” Caleb says. “Nathan considers the driveway access and how to capture maximum solar gain, as well as turning plans around quickly. He’s been doing this for a long time, and is so good at creating homes that work.” The focus at Severn St is on quality, warmth, and performance. Caleb highlights the importance of insulation and orientation to the sun. “Quality homes are in short supply in Invercargill, and we need warm homes down here. We use thick insulation, a rigid air barrier on every house, and double-glazing to ensure high performance. It keeps houses warm and energy-efficient, and the homes are built to last.” Even practical details, such as garage linings, are carefully considered. “We put plywood lining in the garages so they’re durable, hard-wearing, and look sharp. Kids can kick a ball around and it doesn’t damage the finish.” Location is another selling point. Severn St sits on the outskirts of town in a semi-rural area, with farmland on two sides and a playground nearby. It is close to Southland Hospital and the new charity hospice, making it appealing to professionals working in health, agriculture, and other sectors. Caleb says the development attracts a diverse mix of residents, including first-home buyers, downsizers, and first-generation Kiwis. “Community is very important to us,” Caleb says. “We want a mix of people living different lives – older residents, younger families, and a few rental properties, but not too many. The aim is to create a place where people feel part of a neighbourhood, and everyone can enjoy an affordable, quality home.” Caleb credits his wife Rachel, who assists in an advisory role, with helping shape aspects of the homes, from colour choices to design details. PA I NT SOUTH EXPERIENCE QUALITY SERVICE • INTERIOR PAINTING • EXTERIOR PAINTING • WALLPAPERING • GIB STOPPING Steven Coutts 027 304 2897 • paintsouth@outlook.com • Section Clearing • Digging Foundations • Filling Foundations • Driveways • Drainage • Concrete Breaking & Removal • Demolition of Houses or Garages • Post Hole Boring (from 250-600mm) • Trenches for Drainage • Stump Removal Proudly Supporting Honiss Developments Big holes, small holes, square holes, round holes, deep holes, shallow holes...we can do it all! 027 284 5956 / 03 216 5191 maurice@oreillydiggers.co.nz www.oreillydiggers.co.nz Southland Plumbing & Pumps 85 Bill Richardson Drive Avenal Invercargill (03) 214 3136 Need Water Filtration? New House Pump? For all your Domestic & Commercial Plumbing, Gas Fitting and Water Filtration needs. use...
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